Are Chickens Allowed in Riverside, CA?

BySusan Medlin

If you’re thinking about keeping chickens in Riverside, California, the answer is: sometimes. Whether you can have chickens depends on where exactly you live (city vs. county), the zoning of your property, how many chickens, and whether you plan to keep roosters or just hens. Below is a detailed overview of what’s allowed now, what restrictions apply, and what to check with your local authorities.

Jurisdiction Matters: City vs. County

“Riverside” may refer to either the **City of Riverside** or **Riverside County**. The rules differ depending on which one your property is in:

  • If you live *within the City of Riverside*, municipal codes for the city apply.
  • If you live *in an unincorporated area of Riverside County*, then Riverside County’s ordinances apply. These are often different—and sometimes more flexible—than city rules.

What Riverside County Allows (Unincorporated Areas)

In the unincorporated county areas, Riverside County has fairly detailed rules regarding chickens and “crowing fowl” (hens, roosters, etc.). Key points include:

  • Animals and poultry are regulated by *County Zoning Ordinance No. 348* and related land use and animal control rules.
    The number and type of poultry (hens vs. roosters) allowed depend on **zone classification** and **lot size**. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
  • Crowing fowl (including roosters, peafowl, guinea fowl) are subject to stricter limits. For example, some zones require minimum lot sizes of 7,200 sq. ft. or more before crowing fowl are even considered. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
  • Setback requirements: in many county zones, poultry enclosures must be at least **20 feet from property lines** and often **50 feet or more from any residence**. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  • If you want more than the basic number of hens or want roosters, you may need to apply for a **“Crowing Fowl Permit”**. That usually requires neighbor notification and sometimes public hearings. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  • Failure to comply with zoning, permits, or setback rules can lead to administrative or misdemeanor citations, fines, or even orders to remove or reduce animals. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

What the City of Riverside Allows

Unfortunately, detailed, up-to-date rules specific to the City of Riverside (inside the city limits) for backyard chickens are less publicly documented in the sources I found. Often these are handled via city zoning or animal control departments. Key things to check if you are inside the city:

  • Your property’s **zoning designation** (e.g. R-1, R-2, etc.)
  • Whether the city allows “poultry / small animals” under that zoning
  • If there are limits on the number of hens, whether roosters are allowed, what setbacks from homes/property lines are required
  • If coop conditions are required (enclosed enclosures, hygiene, height, etc.)
  • If a permit or registration is required with city animal control or planning department

Typical Limits & Requirements in County Areas

If you live in unincorporated Riverside County, here are some common patterns of what you’ll encounter:

  • Small residential zones (smaller lots) typically allow fewer chickens and often no roosters. If roosters are allowed, often with additional restrictions. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
  • Larger lots or agricultural‐zoned properties may allow more chickens, and sometimes roosters, under stricter conditions. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
  • Enclosures / coops must be enclosed, kept clean, with distance (setbacks) from neighboring homes. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
  • Permits required if exceeding baseline allowances or if keeping crowing fowl. Often a public hearing or neighbor notice is part of the permit process. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

What to Do If You Live in Riverside and Want Chickens

If you’re considering having chickens, here’s what you should do:

  1. Determine jurisdiction: City or County. Use your address or parcel information to check if you’re inside city limits or not.
  2. Check your zoning: Find out your zone (e.g. R-1, R-2, Ag, etc.) and see what that zoning allows for poultry/pets/livestock.
  3. Contact Planning or Animal Control: Call or visit your local planning/zoning department (if county) or the city’s animal control / planning commission to get the specific rules for your property.
  4. Design your coop to meet setbacks and enclosure rules: Keep it enclosed, pick a location far enough from property lines and residences, plan for cleanliness, and possibly shade/cover.
  5. See if you need a permit: If you plan to have roosters or more than basic number of hens or want crowing fowl, you likely will need to apply for a permit, and possibly attend a hearing or notify neighbors.

Pros & Cons of Keeping Chickens in Riverside Areas

Thinking beyond legal rules, here are the benefits and the challenges you’ll face in Riverside if you keep backyard chickens:

  • Pros:
    • Fresh eggs from your own hens.
    • Reduce food waste by feeding scraps.
    • Natural pest control in your yard.
    • Gardening boost from chicken manure (when managed properly).
  • Challenges:
    • Noisy roosters can create conflict with neighbors.
    • Odor and pests if coop is not kept clean.
    • Permitting processes or fees, especially for crowing fowl.
    • Zoning restrictions may limit how many hens you can have or whether you can have any roosters at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a rooster in Riverside?

Probably only if you live in a zone that allows crowing fowl and have a permit. Most residential zones in unincorporated county areas restrict or disallow roosters without special permissions. If you’re in the city, it may be more restricted.

How many hens can I keep?

Depends on lot size and zoning. Smaller lots typically allow a small flock; larger or agricultural zones allow more. Always check with local authorities.

Do I need a permit?

Yes, if you exceed the basic number of hens or if you want roosters / crowing fowl. Also required in many zones for enforcement of standards.

What about setbacks—how far must the coop be from property lines or homes?

Typical county rules in unincorporated areas require enclosures to be at least 20 feet from property lines and up to 50 feet from residences in some zones. City rules may differ.

Conclusion

In sum: chickens are allowed in many parts of Riverside County under the right conditions. If you’re inside the city, it’s less clear—you’ll need to check with local city codes. The big factors are your property’s zoning, lot size, whether you want roosters, whether you stay within prescribed setbacks, and whether you’re willing to follow animal control and planning rules. With the right setup, keeping hens in Riverside can be legal and pretty straightforward. Before you start, confirm with your local planning or animal control department to make sure your plan meets all requirements.

Special Resource for Chicken Keepers

If you’re planning ahead, a good resource is Backyard Eggs: The #1 Guide in the US. It includes:

  • Step-by-step coop building advice
  • Noise and odor control guidance
  • Health, feeding, and sanitation tips
  • Advice on meeting setbacks and permit requirements

Get Backyard Eggs Now and be ready to raise chickens in Riverside the right way